Investing in a Dual Fuel Cooker Range
A dual fuel range can increase the value of your home and kitchen. If you are considering one, ensure that your kitchen is able to handle both gas and electric power sources.
Clarke offers showroom appointments to view the variety of dual-fuel kitchens in fully-scaled kitchens that are designed locally. Features like smooth glide ball bearing oven racks and StayPut Italian hinges ensure a safe and easy baking experience.
Cooking Options
It's crucial to choose a range that matches your kitchen style, and is also compatible with the other appliances in your kitchen. But a range's function isn't just about appearances. You need a professional-grade oven that can handle your cooking and baking needs. This is the reason why many home chefs look to a dual fuel cooker range to make the most of their cooking capabilities.
A dual fuel stove is a combination of a gas burner and an electric oven that provides the best of both temperature control and precision. Dedicated cooks appreciate the responsive temperature control offered by a gas cooktop, which allows them to explore various cooking methods such as roasting and searing. On the other hand, bakers appreciate the consistent heating that comes with an electric oven. Additionally, certain models feature an advanced feature that releases steam in the beginning of the baking cycle to help the bread rise to give a more uniform texture.
A dual fuel range is fitted with high-performance burners that are typically powered by liquid propane or natural gas. They can produce rapid heat output, which can be used to accomplish various tasks, such as searing and boiling. The convection oven of a dual-fuel professional range is usually powered by an electric fan. It circulates hot air to ensure uniform heating.
Dual fuel ranges can be expensive but they're a great option for those looking to enhance their culinary skills or entertain guests at home. This type of range is also easy to maintain, and can add value to your house if you decide to sell in the future.
Ask a professional to install your home appliance if you are interested in purchasing a professional range with dual fuel. The specialist will ensure that the range is connected to both electric and gas lines and that all safety precautions are followed. An experienced installer can solve any issues that could arise during the installation process of your new range.
Convenience
A dual fuel range provides the flexibility of both a gas stovetop and oven in one appliance. These stoves are great for homeowners who enjoy trying new recipes and methods. They are available in various sizes, with oven capacities ranging from 4.5 to 6.8 cubic feet. Some models even feature two ovens side by side for larger capacity.
The combination of electric and gas cooktops in one unit offers the best of both worlds with a responsive heat that's easy to adjust and a precise heat that lets you set the temperature accurately. This kind of precision is essential when simmering soup, or warming leftovers. In the same way, the electric oven offers a steady heat that can be precisely adjusted to keep the temperature low for delicate dishes.
Some homeowners prefer dual fuel ranges for their aesthetic appeal and practicality. They are available in a range of high-end finishes and accessories to match any kitchen style, whether it's modern or traditional. Some dual fuel ranges are equipped with elegant brushed-bronze trim or handles that can bring a touch of elegance to French-style kitchens.
A dual fuel range is a great addition to any kitchen. However, it might not be suitable for everyone. It typically requires a separate gas line in the home to power it, which may require you to pay for installation or upgrade your existing gas hookup. In addition, some homes might not have both a gas and an electrical outlet in the same space and this can make switching between various power sources a challenge.
If you're looking to enjoy the flexibility of dual fuel ranges, but do not want to install a brand new gas line, you can consider buying a separate electric and gas cooktop and wall oven. This is a less costly option that still gives you the possibility of cooking with either power source, and you can even install separate units in the same space if needed. You can also combine an electric and a gas model by choosing a dual-fuel slide-in range with a separate gas cooktop and an electric wall oven.
Efficiency
A dual fuel range combines the gas cooktop and an electric oven. The appliance is highly praised by professional cooks due to its flexibility and value. It offers responsive control of the temperature on the cooktop and precise temperature control in the oven to allow for a wide range of cooking techniques.
The cooktop component of a professional range that is dual fuel is powered by either liquid propane or natural gas. Gas cooktops permit you to adjust the temperature quickly and visually and they can be used with advanced cooking techniques, such as charring or roasting. Electric ovens are a trusted and reliable kitchen appliance. They provide steady heating. Many models have a downdraft vent that captures smoke, odors, and other airborne particles, without the need for an overhead ventilation system.
Dedicated cooks often prefer gas cooktops due to their rapid and precise temperature control, which makes it easier to saute onions or boil pasta. Bakers may prefer an electric range, as it produces a dryer heat that helps bread rise and brown. Some cooks, however prefer a combination of both heat sources. This option is available on select dual-fuel ranges.
These appliances are not just highly efficient and versatile they also come with various useful features. Some models have removable burner grates as well as sealed burners to make cleaning easier. Some models have self-cleaning automatic ovens that save time and effort by cleaning dirt after every meal.
Additionally the dual fuel range is typically more energy-efficient than an all-electric or all-gas version. If your home has natural gas lines, this appliance could help you save money on your winter energy bills.
When looking for a dual fuel cooker range, consider your kitchen setup and how often you'll be using the stove. If dual fuel range cookers cook twice each week, for instance it's possible that a dual fuel range might not be worth your money. These ranges also require gas hookups and installation costs that are not usually included in the price.
Safety
A dual fuel cooker can provide the safety of cooking in comparison to other stoves when properly used. It achieves this by combining the precise and uniform distribution of heat that comes from an electric oven, perfect for baking and roasting as well as the instant control of gas burners. This combination lets cooks switch between these different styles of cooking quickly and easily. In addition, a dual fuel range may also offer the option of slow simmer and low simmer or high-heat searing - giving cooks more flexibility to create their own favorite dishes.
In addition to their safety advantages Dual fuel ranges are also easy to clean due to their electric and gas components. The gas hob typically features sealed burners or enamel-coated cast iron grates which can be easily cleaned down after meals, whereas the electric oven typically comes with a self-cleaning feature that uses high temperatures to burn away any food remnants. Some electric models also have removable oven racks and trays that can be soaked or scrubbed for a thorough clean.
A dual fuel range can be costly to purchase as you'll need a gas line and an electrical outlet within your home in order to use it. This can be costly especially when your kitchen already has a gas line. It will require a plumber to set up an additional electrical outlet. In older homes, the wiring might not support both electricity and gas. An electrician would have to change the voltage in the kitchen outlet to accommodate a dual-fuel range.
Eva Bleyer is the reviews analyst for the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she has rigorously tested over 100 ranges over the past few years -- including many dual-fuel options. She also speaks with industry experts, visits kitchen appliance showrooms and regularly tests products. Make an appointment with Clarke to view the dual fuel range in action. Speak to our experts to determine if this model is right for your kitchen.